Island Express Charters

Island Express Charters Fast, friendly, and reliable transportation between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.

Whether it’s an island getaway, family camping adventure, or freight delivery, we’ll get you there safely with a smile!

☀️📅 Summer Adventure Series calendar is here! 📅☀️Join Island Express Charters every Saturday this summer for unforgettab...
05/28/2026

☀️📅 Summer Adventure Series calendar is here! 📅☀️

Join Island Express Charters every Saturday this summer for unforgettable island adventures throughout the San Juans!

This summer’s lineup includes:
🚲 Cycling Lopez Island
🥾 Hiking Cypress Island
🏛️ Exploring the history of Burrows Island Lighthouse
⛱️ Beach days on James Island

Visit islandexpresscharters.com for full trip descriptions, dates, and departure times. Be sure to click the bolded text within each trip description for even more island information.

Our Adventure Series is designed to create space for people to connect with the natural world - hiking island trails, picnicking on remote beaches, visiting marine state parks, and enjoying bird and wildlife observation through a flexible “create your own adventure” format.

Gather your friends, plan your weekends, and come explore the islands with us this summer!

Space is still available this Saturday, May 30th! Choose between two adventures:
🏛️ Burrows Island Lighthouse
🥾 Pelican Beach on Cypress Island

📞 Call or text 360-299-2875 to reserve your seat to fun!
islandexpresscharters.com

☀️🇺🇸 A Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! 🇺🇸☀️Thank you to everyone for riding with Island Express Charters this holiday we...
05/27/2026

☀️🇺🇸 A Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! 🇺🇸☀️

Thank you to everyone for riding with Island Express Charters this holiday weekend! We truly appreciate your support and loved being part of your island travels, family visits, and holiday adventures.

Memorial Day always feels like the unofficial start of summer, and we can’t wait for the fun times ahead!

Here’s to a beautiful and adventure-filled summer!

We wanted to share a few updates regarding Island Express’ recent purchase of Paraclete Charters.First and most importan...
05/20/2026

We wanted to share a few updates regarding Island Express’ recent purchase of Paraclete Charters.

First and most importantly, our focus remains the same: providing reliable transportation for the island community we care deeply about.

We have no plans for significant fare increases outside of temporary fuel surcharges during this period of unusually high fuel costs. Trust us, we don’t enjoy fuel prices any more than you do!

We’re also happy to share that all previous Paraclete crew members are staying onboard with Island Express. Our teams are currently being cross-trained across the fleet.

As we head into the busy summer season, we will be resuming Paraclete’s regular schedule and will be using Paraclete as needed throughout the next few weeks.

One operational change: Paraclete punch cards are being phased out, as the previous system is difficult to manage across a larger fleet. Kevin Fegert is handling refunds for any unused rides remaining on punch cards. For refunds, please contact Kevin at (360) 317-4230.

We appreciate the support we’ve received during this transition and look forward to continuing to serve the islands for many years to come!

We are excited to announce that after growing Island Express Charters over the past nine years, we are expanding and acq...
05/15/2026

We are excited to announce that after growing Island Express Charters over the past nine years, we are expanding and acquiring Paraclete Charters from our friends, Tami and Kevin Fegert.

This felt like a natural next step for us, and the right time for Tami and Kevin to step away from the business they’ve built over the years. We’re grateful for their trust, support, and insights as they hand over the reins and remain available during this transition.

What does this mean for customers? Starting this Saturday May 16th we ask that all reservation requests go thru Island Express Charters at 360-299-2875. Call or text to get the most current schedule, which will be expanding as we get further into the summer season.

Most importantly, customers can continue to expect the same reliable service, experienced crews, and commitment to the island communities that Island Express and Paraclete has always provided.

This decision was made to support sustainable growth while continuing to provide the efficient and most direct service our customers rely on. With inflation and rising fuel and operating costs affecting the marine industry, we hope this union will help keep the local water taxi business strong, sustainable, and healthy for many years to come.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Megan at mailto:[email protected].

Scott and Megan Carden
Island Express Charters

Due to overwhelming interest and a very large wait list, we’re adding a SECOND Burrows Island Lighthouse Adventure Serie...
05/12/2026

Due to overwhelming interest and a very large wait list, we’re adding a SECOND Burrows Island Lighthouse Adventure Series trip this month!

Not many people can say they’ve stepped foot on Burrows Island - let alone explored the historic 120-year-old lighthouse grounds. Now you have another chance!

Join Island Express Charters on Saturday, May 30th for a special additional Adventure Series trip to the Burrows Island Light Station. Guided by docents from the Northwest Schooner Society, you’ll hear stories of the lighthouse keepers who lived in isolation, kept the light burning, and watched over the busy waters of Rosario Strait.

Wander the lighthouse grounds, step inside the historic buildings, and take in incredible panoramic views of the islands, shipping lanes, and Olympic Mountains. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on one of the most unique and rarely visited islands in the San Juans.

📅 Saturday, May 30th
⛴ Depart Skyline Marina at 3:00pm
⛴ Depart Burrows Island at 5:30pm

Limited spots available - reserve your seat by calling or texting (360) 299-2875

💲 $45 roundtrip adults
💲 $38 roundtrip children

(50% of the fare price will be donated to the Northwest Schooner Society to support ongoing restoration efforts at the light station.)

Moderate stair climbing involved • Ages 10+ • No pets please

This isn’t just a boat ride - it’s a chance to experience local maritime history, stunning scenery, and one of the Pacific Northwest’s hidden gems.

(360) 299-2875
islandexpresscharters.com

In case you haven’t heard. 📢 We don’t want anyone to be caught off guard.  We appreciate your business ❤️
05/08/2026

In case you haven’t heard. 📢 We don’t want anyone to be caught off guard. We appreciate your business ❤️

⛽️ Fuel Surcharge starting May 8th ⛽️Beginning May 8th, we will be implementing a temporary fuel surcharge due to contin...
05/07/2026

⛽️ Fuel Surcharge starting May 8th ⛽️

Beginning May 8th, we will be implementing a temporary fuel surcharge due to continued increases in fuel costs.

We’ve worked hard to absorb these rising costs for as long as possible, but unfortunately we’ve reached the point where a surcharge is necessary to continue providing reliable service throughout the islands.

The temporary surcharges will be:

$3 per passenger for regular inner island runs (Decatur, Blakely, Sinclair, etc.)
$10 per passenger for outer island service (Sucia, Waldron, Stuart, etc.)
$50 per hour for private charter trips

We know no one likes extra fees, and we’re very sorry to have to make this change. As fuel prices stabilize and come back down, our hope is to remove these surcharges as soon as possible.

We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support! ❤️

🌿🥾 Adventure Alert: Obstruction Pass Awaits! 🥾🌿Nothing but sunshine this weekend! Come join us this Saturday, April 25th...
04/23/2026

🌿🥾 Adventure Alert: Obstruction Pass Awaits! 🥾🌿

Nothing but sunshine this weekend! Come join us this Saturday, April 25th for a spring escape to Obstruction Pass State Park - one of Orcas Island’s most peaceful and public coastal gems.

Depart Skyline Marina at 11:00 AM
Depart Obstruction at 2:15 PM

Spend the afternoon your way:
- Wander 1.8 miles of forested trails
- Stroll one of the island’s few public beaches
- Picnic by the water with sweeping views of Obstruction Pass
- Or simply sit back, breathe deep, and enjoy the quiet

It’s the kind of spot that feels like you stumbled onto a secret… but we’ll take you right to it!

$47 adults | $39 kids ages 3–12
Infants ride free
🐾 Dogs are always welcome and ride free

Space is still available! Call or text today to reserve your seat for the next adventure! 360-299-2875
islandexpresscharters.com

🥾🥾 Adventure Awaits This Saturday! 🥾🥾Not many people can say they’ve set foot on Burrows Island, let alone walked the hi...
04/10/2026

🥾🥾 Adventure Awaits This Saturday! 🥾🥾

Not many people can say they’ve set foot on Burrows Island, let alone walked the historic 120 year old lighthouse grounds. This weekend, you can!

Join Island Express Charters on its Adventure Series trip to the Burrows Island lighthouse this Saturday, April 11th.

Docents from the Northwest Schooner Society will guide you through the Burrows Island Light Station - sharing stories of the keepers who lived in isolation, kept the light burning, and watched over these busy waters.

You’ll step inside the buildings, wander the headland, and soak up the views that few get to see. Pack a picnic, and enjoy lunch overlooking the strait - watching ships and wildlife move through the strait just as the keepers once did.

📅 Saturday, April 11th, Skyline Marina departure at 11am, pick up at Burrows Island at 2:15pm
🎟 Limited spots available - reserve your seat by calling or texting (360) 299-2875. Price: $45 roundtrip adults, $38 roundtrip children (50% of the fare price will be donated to Northwest Schooner Society to help continue their restoration process).

Moderate stair climbing is involved, children ages 10+, no pets please

This isn’t just a tour -it’s a journey into history, adventure, and one of the hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest!

Can't make this trip? Join the May 16th trip - space is filling quickly!

(360) 299-2875
islandexpresscharters.com

Trying to get home?                         Call or text Island Express Charters if you need a ride around 6pm this even...
04/08/2026

Trying to get home? Call or text Island Express Charters if you need a ride around 6pm this evening 4/7 from Orcas Landing to Friday Harbor.

Address

2013 Skyline Way
Anacortes, WA
98221

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8pm
Tuesday 7am - 8pm
Wednesday 7am - 8pm
Thursday 7am - 8pm
Friday 7am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sunday 7am - 8pm

Telephone

+13602992875

Alerts

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